HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-23 Public Comment - D. Keightley - changes to the water and other ratesFrom:David Keightley
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]re; changes to the water and other rates
Date:Monday, August 7, 2023 2:20:01 PM
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Dear City of Bozeman Commissioners,
First let me thank you for your service to the people of Bozeman, and say how much I enjoy
living here.
All the green trees, parks, trails, the library, and swimming pools make this a wonderful placeto live, as well as
retaining something of the small-town feel. I sincerely hope it can continue this way, and I amgrateful that
you are investing in a new swimming pool/recreation center! Pools are healthy places forpeople to be.
I am writing to comment on the proposed rate changes to the water, sewage, and storm water
rates. I will be gone on August 22nd -- the time of the public meeting -- so thought to write toyou.
Personally, I hope the rates do not increase. Though it is estimated that the residential increase
will only be about $ 7.13 per month, that comes to over $84 per year. With rents and taxesgoing up, it is hard for people on a limited income to survive here..... My wife and I both
work as much as we are able -- I work as a school bus driver -- and we can still barely affordto continue living here....
I do not want to leave as I grew up just outside of Bozeman and it is my home, but may be
forced to unless things change. Many of my friends and family have already left due to thehigh cost of living. This only exacerbates the labor shortage here....
At the bus company that I work at they had to import 7 or more drivers from Seattle and put
them up in hotels just to cover the school routes!
This month our water, sewer, storm water, and garbage bill was $83.49. Even that seems highto me.
Please consider not raising the rates on residential homes, or perhaps have some program in
place for low income people.
Sincerely, David Keightley, MA History
428 North 3rd Avenue Bozeman